Spirituality vis-a-vis Religion

Spirituality vis-a-vis Religion

Spirituality is an answer to some of the most basic questions posed by man when he is faced with the mystery called life. On the face of it, it is not clear who we are, who has created us, why we are here and where shall we go from here. It is also not clear what the nature of the world, which seems to be outside us, is and who has made it, and why so many millions of species have been stocked into this universe.

- Many answers have been tried at different stages of human history. There have been people at an elevated level of awareness, call them what you will, who have tried their best to give answers. That is how there are so many religions. Many of their followers have such faith in their founders that they think their answers alone are right. They would like everybody to agree and follow their leaders. For this, they are prepared to go to any length.

There are other saintly people who believe that all religions contain a modicum of truth. Indeed, truth is one and sages call it by various names. Thus:

There is only one caste, the caste of humanity;

- There is only one language, the language of the heart;

There is only one religion, the religion of humanity; and,

There is only one God, and He is omnipresent.

- We don’t think any religion can quarrel over this declaration of Sai Baba. This quatrain itself can become the cornerstone of inter-faith harmony.

- Human values constitute the common factor among various religions. Human values are traits that distinguish human beings from animals. Animals also eat, drink, sleep, urinate, defecate, have sex, produce children, and bring them up. The basic qualities of human character are truth, righteous conduct, peace, love, and non-violence. It is only when we exhibit such qualities in our day-to-day life that we are fit to be called human beings.

As a small example, consider the following incident. A saint is taking bath in the river. A scorpion that is in imminent danger of being drowned comes floating by. The saint picks it up on his palm in order to save its life. The scorpion bites him and quite involuntarily he drops it into the water. Again, the scorpion shouts and again, the saint saves its life. The third time round he is able to land it on dry ground. A bystander questions the saint as to the wisdom of his act. The saint replies – “You see! The scorpion was acting out of its nature which is to bite!! I was acting out of my nature which is to save!!!”

To have compassion for suffering beings, to save a life, to have love, to be non-violent – all these are human traits. If we do not exhibit them, we are not human beings. In the above case example, the humble saint pardons the scorpion even though the latter bites him time and again. His universal love for the entire creation is manifested in his compassionate behavior towards the suffering scorpion.

He who pardons never loses. Even if, apparently, he seems to give in (in order to avoid squabbles/ quarrels), in reality, he is the true winner.